By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter
More than £180,000 could be spent on breathing life into three parks in the city.
Nottingham City Council documents reveal parks in Bilborough, the Meadows, and St Ann’s could benefit from the money.
A total of £65,000 funding for the Arkwright Park Play Area Project has already been confirmed, with the other two set to be approved later this month.
The other parks, Moor Road play area in Bilborough and Marmion Park in St Ann’s, are also due to benefit from the remaining £115,000.
The Meadows park and the Bilborough park are set to get a “complete refurbishment of a very old and dated play area to create and new and exciting play space for the local community”.
Marmion Park will get a refurbishment of the existing play area and installation of fitness equipment and benches.
The funds are from the FCC Communities Foundation, which grants for community, conservation and heritage projects, and Section 106 funding, which is money from developers to mitigate impacts of new housing on the local community.
The investment is part of a larger £350,000 plan to upgrade facilities including play equipment, seating, outdoor fitness equipment and improved access.
Councillor Michael Edwards (Lab), who represents the Meadows, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “We have been aware for some time that the equipment needs replacing.
“It’s a very popular play area and it is well suited to young kids, but it needed redoing. The equipment is very worn out.
“We’ve tried to do something for teenage school kids. There was a meeting at the Emmanuel School to see what we could do.”
The council say the move will reduce anti-social behaviour and crime.
Council documents said: “The new play and outdoor gym facilities will encourage children and families to play outside and enjoy active play and exercise. In doing so the new facilities will contribute towards improving the health and well being of the local communities.”
Councillor Rosemary Healy, Lead for Parks and Open Spaces, added: “We are delighted that these projects are now starting to take shape. It’s great to see our vision for these vital community facilities moving closer to reality. We are extremely grateful for the funding FCC Communities Foundation has given us and we’re very much looking forward to opening to the public.”
